Edmonds trade: They said it

Here are some quotes from inside the Reds clubhouse:

“It’s been a quick six or seven hours to go from kind of the bottom of the standings to the top in a hurry. And show up here playing the Cardinals, it’s going to be a little nuts. I’m looking forward to the challenge. The respect I have for the guys on this team after playing against them for so many years, it seems like a good group of guys that are very talented. It’s nice to be on this side for once.” — Jim Edmonds

“We thought Edmonds would add a veteran, playoff experienced guy who’s had a pretty good year with Milwaukee. He’s actually a guy I thought about signing over the winter and we didn’t. I kind of regretted the fact that we didn’t. I think he’s going to help us a number of different ways.” — Reds GM Walt Jocketty

“Anytime you add Jim Edmonds to the mix, he’s been helping teams for what, 15 years? It’s obvious he’s still able to help us. I’m excited to have him here for what he’s done and how he goes about his business. He’s an unbelievable outfielder. In his prime, he was one of the best outfielders in the game. I think he will help us tremendously. He’s a veteran guy that knows what’s going on. He’s been in this situation before. He knows how to handle it. You can always use more of that.” — Jay Bruce

“I think it will be good for Stubby and his career and Heisey and his career. The guy can still play like we just saw in Milwaukee.” — Jonny Gomes

“Any time you can add a guy that’s been in a World Series or the playoffs and has 15 years in the big leagues with such a great career like Edmonds, of course it will be a help.” — Orlando Cabrera

And from the St. Louis side:

“We had heard about it. I think Jim told a couple of our guys that it was going to happen. He’ll help them. When [Rolen] is healthy, he’s proven what kind of player he is. Jim is in a different part of his career. But like I said, I think he’ll help them.” — Cardinals manager Tony LaRussa

*Another nugget about Edmonds. He is a .274 hitter in 118 career games against Cincinnati with 32 homers and 85 RBIs.

*One NL scout expressed surprise that the Cardinals did not try to block the Reds by putting a waiver claim on Edmonds.

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